Alana Crisostomo, Brigette Rice, the departing Jason Kinch, Don Nolan (owner) and Katlin Sullivan at Zatz a Better Bagel in the Admiral District. After 14 years, Jason is leaving to pursue his writing, and 'retire temporarily' he said.
Ever since April of 1998 fans of Zatz a Better Bagel at 2348 Calfornia Avenue have seen the smiling face of Jason Kinch behind the counter but now he's leaving. He's the Store Manager.
It's not to take another job, Kinch said. "I'm retiring, temporarily. I'm taking some time off, getting back into writing. I've got my English degree and then once I figure it out I might seek some work again." He might travel, "If I have the time and have some place I want to go."
He said the highlight of his time there has been, "working with these people." But as for individual moments only one stood out. "I served Kato Kaelin once," he said referring to the witness in O.J. Simpson trial in the 90's.
He will miss the regulars and even "the weird people" that sometimes come into the store.
Owner Don Nolan said he won't even try to replace Kinch, saying half jokingly that he will "Cry," and that, "We're kind of building up everybody else and making a group effort out of it to spread the tasks around."
He said Kinch has been, "fabulous. He takes care of things that I don't have to, so now I'll be back."
